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Electra McDonnell #3
Playing It Safe
As the Blitz continues to ravage London, Ellie McDonnell—formerly a safecracking thief, but currently determined to stay on the straight and narrow to help her country—is approached by British Intelligence officer Major Ramsey with a new assignment. She is to travel under an assumed identity to the port city of Sunderland and there await further instructions. In his usual infuriating way, the Major has left her task as vague and mysterious as possible.
Ellie, ever-ready to aid her country, heads north, her safecracking tools in tow. But before she can rendezvous with the major, she witnesses an unnatural death. A man falls dead in the street in front of her, with a note clutched in his hand. Ellie’s instincts tell her that the man’s death is connected in some way to her mission.
Soon, Ellie and the major are locked in a battle of wits and a race against time with an unknown and deadly adversary, and a case that leads them to a possible Nazi counterfeiting operation. With bombs dropping on the city and a would-be assassin shadowing their every move, it will take all of Ellie’s resourcefulness and Major Ramsey’s fortitude to unmask the spymaster and avert disastrous consequences—for England and for their own lives.
Ellie, ever-ready to aid her country, heads north, her safecracking tools in tow. But before she can rendezvous with the major, she witnesses an unnatural death. A man falls dead in the street in front of her, with a note clutched in his hand. Ellie’s instincts tell her that the man’s death is connected in some way to her mission.
Soon, Ellie and the major are locked in a battle of wits and a race against time with an unknown and deadly adversary, and a case that leads them to a possible Nazi counterfeiting operation. With bombs dropping on the city and a would-be assassin shadowing their every move, it will take all of Ellie’s resourcefulness and Major Ramsey’s fortitude to unmask the spymaster and avert disastrous consequences—for England and for their own lives.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews
December 11, 2023
Daniella, why you with that fella? (Daniella - Hurray for the Riff Raff). Sorry about that, for some reason that song was stuck in my head throughout the duration of this book. On a completely unrelated note, Major Ramsey is still the main love-interest (if you’re wondering what that distant sound is, it’s my groan of despair), and I’m so~oo happy. That was sarcasm, I don’t like him much. I think it’s mostly because he’s another one of those characters I’m constantly told is handsome and charming, but on the actual page, he has the charisma of a doorknob. As for the story, Electra is still awesome and a wonderful main character to follow along, but I think the book plays it too safe with its set-up, as it retreads a lot of the same old “will-they-won’t-they” plot. We know they will, so let’s rip that particular band-aid off and focus on the mystery, please. Oh! One problem I did have with Electra is that every time she was sneaking around, doing her thing, she would always almost get caught! Now, normally this isn’t an issue because these mysteries are usually following amateur sleuths (emphasis on “amateur”), but Electra is supposed to be a reformed thief and master lock-pick! I know that the trope is a staple of the genre, but you’d think she’d be able to go about her clandestine activities without going “fee-fi-fo-fum” mode and alerting every guard in the vicinity! Getting back on track though, this really isn’t a terrible book, and I love the writing and the setting and most the characters (and, and, and), so I think it’s safe to say that I’m in this series for the long run. Let me go on, like I blister in the sun.
“Perhaps you can talk to her again,” the major said. “But be careful.”
“I always am, Major.”
“You almost never are, Miss McDonnell,” he replied.
“Perhaps you can talk to her again,” the major said. “But be careful.”
“I always am, Major.”
“You almost never are, Miss McDonnell,” he replied.
November 25, 2022
This book was absolutely amazing! All the stars! My favorite of the series so far. I have so many gushing thoughts right now that it’s challenging to order them all. BUT I will say, the romance was *chef’s kiss* perfection. This book is mainly a mystery but the author ignited the pages with some spark-filled heat between the main characters. (All clean of course) But the romantic tension was palpable. And I loved it!
The mystery was unpredictable and believable. The twists and turns led to an exploding ending that made me gasp, then hold my breath, then gasp again.
I devoured this book and am trying not to think about the very real fact that I’ll have to wait an entire year to read the next in the series.
*I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The mystery was unpredictable and believable. The twists and turns led to an exploding ending that made me gasp, then hold my breath, then gasp again.
I devoured this book and am trying not to think about the very real fact that I’ll have to wait an entire year to read the next in the series.
*I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2023
Ashley Weaver is making me forget how much I miss her Amory Ames mysteries (Murder at the Brightwell) because I'm falling deeply in love with this new series!
Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
June 4, 2023
I wrote a review and must not have saved it. So here it is a gain. The third in the series and the mystery was good and a tad of the romance also moved along (but at a glacial pace). I did find Electra's winging it at times and perhaps too much compartmentalizing of info by the Major a bit annoying. Probably a 3.75* but that is splitting hairs. Other than that, it was a fun WWII mystery that I look forward to the next installment.
May 26, 2023
Playing It Safe (Electra McDonnell, #3) by Ashley Weaver was my favorite book in the series so far! It can best be described as a historical mystery. Playing It Safe took place in London just at the beginning of The Blitz and in a little seaside town called Sunderland. London had become a scary place especially at night. Sirens blared relentlessly almost every night and warned the people of London of the approaching German planes. So far Ellie and her family had been fortunate and had not been hurt or affected by the bombs. They had been lucky so far.
Major Ramsey was once again in need of Ellie’s services and expertise so he asked her to travel to Sunderland and wait for him there until he gave her further instructions. She was to make friends with the locals. When Ellie agreed to go to Sunderland, she was still quite concerned about the safety of her family members. Sunderland had not seen much in terms of bombings. This was the first time Ellie was helping Major Ramsey on a case by herself without her uncle, cousin or Felix. Ellie was using the alias name of Elizabeth Donaldson while she was in Sunderland. She quickly shortened it to Liz as she introduced herself to the locals she met.
Ellie had not been In Sunderland long before she witnessed a man dying in the street not far from where she was conversing with a local woman. It ended up that the woman that Ellie had been talking to knew the man that had died. The dead man’s name was Hal Jenkins and he had been friendly with the woman Ellie had been talking with. When Ellie went closer to the man’s body, she discovered he was clutching a small piece of paper in his hand. Ellie released it from his hand and slipped it into her pocket without being detected. The man’s death appeared quite suspicious. Ellie tried to glean as much information about the dead man from her new acquaintances as possible. Late that night, Ellie decided to canvas the dead man’s room after learning where he lived from her newly acquired friends. She easily broke into his room at the rooming house he had been staying at. As Ellie was concluding her surveillance of the man’s room she discovered that she was not alone. Major Ramsey had had the same idea as Ellie. How like him to sneak up on her and scare her mercilessly. Ellie was so frustrated with Major Ramsey. Apparently, he had been in Sunderland and had not yet contacted her. Apparently, Major Ramsey had also heard about the death of this man. What else did Ramsey know that he was not sharing with her? Ramsey only divulged what he had to. Ellie was so frustrated by his lack of sharing and communication.
Major Ramsey and Ellie soon discovered that a counterfeit operation that produced false identification cards for Nazi operatives was at the root of this mystery. Would Ellie and Major Ramsey be able to solve and figure out who was behind this operation before Nazi spies were able to enter England successfully? As they gathered clues, they knew that they had to solve this case as quick as possible. They were running out of time. Where were the Nazi spies landing? Ellie and Major Ramsey had located the missing printing plate and blank identification cards the Nazis needed to complete their mission. Could they discover who was the mastermind behind this operation and stop it in time?
Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver was fast paced and well plotted. Several new characters were introduced in this book. I hope some of them continue to play a role in the upcoming books in this series. The revelation of who the spymaster was took me completely by surprise. I had not been able to guess that outcome. Ellie, once again, proved to be quite resourceful, quick witted and rather gutsy. I loved that Ellie and Major Ramsey finally gave into their respective attraction to each other and hope that they will continue to explore their feelings for one another in future books. The very ending was so good. Once again, Ashley Weaver left her readers with a very promising cliffhanger. I hope the next book in this series comes quickly so all my questions can be resolved. Playing It Safe was really enjoyable and I recommend it very highly.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Major Ramsey was once again in need of Ellie’s services and expertise so he asked her to travel to Sunderland and wait for him there until he gave her further instructions. She was to make friends with the locals. When Ellie agreed to go to Sunderland, she was still quite concerned about the safety of her family members. Sunderland had not seen much in terms of bombings. This was the first time Ellie was helping Major Ramsey on a case by herself without her uncle, cousin or Felix. Ellie was using the alias name of Elizabeth Donaldson while she was in Sunderland. She quickly shortened it to Liz as she introduced herself to the locals she met.
Ellie had not been In Sunderland long before she witnessed a man dying in the street not far from where she was conversing with a local woman. It ended up that the woman that Ellie had been talking to knew the man that had died. The dead man’s name was Hal Jenkins and he had been friendly with the woman Ellie had been talking with. When Ellie went closer to the man’s body, she discovered he was clutching a small piece of paper in his hand. Ellie released it from his hand and slipped it into her pocket without being detected. The man’s death appeared quite suspicious. Ellie tried to glean as much information about the dead man from her new acquaintances as possible. Late that night, Ellie decided to canvas the dead man’s room after learning where he lived from her newly acquired friends. She easily broke into his room at the rooming house he had been staying at. As Ellie was concluding her surveillance of the man’s room she discovered that she was not alone. Major Ramsey had had the same idea as Ellie. How like him to sneak up on her and scare her mercilessly. Ellie was so frustrated with Major Ramsey. Apparently, he had been in Sunderland and had not yet contacted her. Apparently, Major Ramsey had also heard about the death of this man. What else did Ramsey know that he was not sharing with her? Ramsey only divulged what he had to. Ellie was so frustrated by his lack of sharing and communication.
Major Ramsey and Ellie soon discovered that a counterfeit operation that produced false identification cards for Nazi operatives was at the root of this mystery. Would Ellie and Major Ramsey be able to solve and figure out who was behind this operation before Nazi spies were able to enter England successfully? As they gathered clues, they knew that they had to solve this case as quick as possible. They were running out of time. Where were the Nazi spies landing? Ellie and Major Ramsey had located the missing printing plate and blank identification cards the Nazis needed to complete their mission. Could they discover who was the mastermind behind this operation and stop it in time?
Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver was fast paced and well plotted. Several new characters were introduced in this book. I hope some of them continue to play a role in the upcoming books in this series. The revelation of who the spymaster was took me completely by surprise. I had not been able to guess that outcome. Ellie, once again, proved to be quite resourceful, quick witted and rather gutsy. I loved that Ellie and Major Ramsey finally gave into their respective attraction to each other and hope that they will continue to explore their feelings for one another in future books. The very ending was so good. Once again, Ashley Weaver left her readers with a very promising cliffhanger. I hope the next book in this series comes quickly so all my questions can be resolved. Playing It Safe was really enjoyable and I recommend it very highly.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 1, 2022
What's not to love about a heroine who is former criminal on a series-long redemption arc with government agents, spies, and a love triangle complicating her life? Electra "Ellie" McDonnell embarks on an adventure with Major Gabriel Ramsey to track down counterfeiters who are helping German spies operate in England with fake identity documents.
The very beginning of the book has Ellie and her family enduring the Blitz in London. Even when you know about that period of WW2, seeing characters that Ashley Weaver has made us love living through nightly bombardment is heart-wrenching. It's almost a relief that Ellie and Gabriel's assignment takes them to the northern port city of Sunderland, but ports were targets for German bombing runs as well, so they aren't completely safe.
The counterfeit investigation is complicated and a fairly large cast of secondary characters is introduced almost as soon as Ellie arrives in Sunderland, but they each have unique characteristics that make it easy to keep track of them. Weaver always gives a few scenes where Ellie has to use her lock-picking and safe-cracking skills along with a big action scene. This installment doesn't disappoint. Seeing Ellie operate without her family as her team makes this book different, but she's fierce and quick-thinking as always.
Regarding the love triangle, it's rare to find a scenario presented where both love interests for the lead are equally appealing. While Ellie's childhood friend and now boyfriend Felix isn't front and center in this book, his care for Ellie is evident and he assists with her investigation from afar. Of course, Gabriel is by Ellie's side for the most of the events in this book. It's hard not to root for him as he tries to supervise Ellie while also deferring to her expertise at times.
The secondary plot through the first three books involves Ellie's dead mother and there's a big twist in that part of the story at the very end that means book four will be an epic installment in this series.
The very beginning of the book has Ellie and her family enduring the Blitz in London. Even when you know about that period of WW2, seeing characters that Ashley Weaver has made us love living through nightly bombardment is heart-wrenching. It's almost a relief that Ellie and Gabriel's assignment takes them to the northern port city of Sunderland, but ports were targets for German bombing runs as well, so they aren't completely safe.
The counterfeit investigation is complicated and a fairly large cast of secondary characters is introduced almost as soon as Ellie arrives in Sunderland, but they each have unique characteristics that make it easy to keep track of them. Weaver always gives a few scenes where Ellie has to use her lock-picking and safe-cracking skills along with a big action scene. This installment doesn't disappoint. Seeing Ellie operate without her family as her team makes this book different, but she's fierce and quick-thinking as always.
Regarding the love triangle, it's rare to find a scenario presented where both love interests for the lead are equally appealing. While Ellie's childhood friend and now boyfriend Felix isn't front and center in this book, his care for Ellie is evident and he assists with her investigation from afar. Of course, Gabriel is by Ellie's side for the most of the events in this book. It's hard not to root for him as he tries to supervise Ellie while also deferring to her expertise at times.
The secondary plot through the first three books involves Ellie's dead mother and there's a big twist in that part of the story at the very end that means book four will be an epic installment in this series.
July 8, 2023
Yes read this all in about five hours time. Loved it. Why isn’t it May 2024 already? That’s all I have to say.
Actually, I also must say this: Major Ramsey = Fave Book Boyfriend 🤣
7/7/23: Could I possibly have anything else to add??? Yes! I watched Bachelor Mother which is referenced at the beginning of this book, and I loved the movie!! And I must say the kiss Ginger and David share in the movie that is also referenced in this book is very swoony. Foreshadowing? 😎
Actually, I also must say this: Major Ramsey = Fave Book Boyfriend 🤣
7/7/23: Could I possibly have anything else to add??? Yes! I watched Bachelor Mother which is referenced at the beginning of this book, and I loved the movie!! And I must say the kiss Ginger and David share in the movie that is also referenced in this book is very swoony. Foreshadowing? 😎
May 26, 2023
Electra McDonnell is sent to Sunderland on a secret mission with minimal details. Shortly after arrival, a man turns up dead on her street so it's investigatin' time. Enter Major Gabriel Ramsey, the stiff commander of clandestine operations! Can they figure out who's spying? (Hint: it's the Germans.)
1. I love forward progress in an overarching plot.
2. Except when it's tempered by waffling and uncertainty and fake shit that will serve as a fake hurdle when the getting gets good.
3. (The getting was pretty good for that one scene tho, ngl.)
4. HOWEVER. This series continues to struggle under its own framing. The first person narration is just awful, and really highlights how clunky and unnatural things are. How many times did Ellie point out that it was because of her ~special skills that she noticed / did things? Yep, the door didn't squeal (she noticed it because she's been trained to do so) and the third and fifth stairs squeak (because she noticed it because she's been trained to do so) and oh yeah she was constantly watching everyone at the pub much like another character (because she's been trained to do so).
I COULD GO ON. It was incessant.
And it's so flipping unnecessary. This is book three of the series—trust your goddamned audience a little. We know Ellie. We understand her thing. We're here for her thing. (Insert joke about the Major's thing.) So constantly holding our hand about how special Ellie is by having her constantly remind us of it is freaking TERRIBLE.
5. On top of that, the ~mystery felt so lazy? Like there are so many horrifying leaps of logic that are just accepted as fact without any further examination or questioning. There were so many additional potential explanations for things that just...never got explored, or thought about or anything. It's all just ... neat. Easy. Kind of boring. Rather than holding all the evidence in her (metaphoric) hands to examine and parse through, Ellie just. Jumps to conclusions and doesn't allow for any other possible explanations until another character flat out tells her she's wrong.
Which is so annoying.
6. Man I can't wait for Felix to get dumped and/or arrested. But mostly dumped.
1. I love forward progress in an overarching plot.
2. Except when it's tempered by waffling and uncertainty and fake shit that will serve as a fake hurdle when the getting gets good.
3. (The getting was pretty good for that one scene tho, ngl.)
4. HOWEVER. This series continues to struggle under its own framing. The first person narration is just awful, and really highlights how clunky and unnatural things are. How many times did Ellie point out that it was because of her ~special skills that she noticed / did things? Yep, the door didn't squeal (she noticed it because she's been trained to do so) and the third and fifth stairs squeak (because she noticed it because she's been trained to do so) and oh yeah she was constantly watching everyone at the pub much like another character (because she's been trained to do so).
I COULD GO ON. It was incessant.
And it's so flipping unnecessary. This is book three of the series—trust your goddamned audience a little. We know Ellie. We understand her thing. We're here for her thing. (Insert joke about the Major's thing.) So constantly holding our hand about how special Ellie is by having her constantly remind us of it is freaking TERRIBLE.
5. On top of that, the ~mystery felt so lazy? Like there are so many horrifying leaps of logic that are just accepted as fact without any further examination or questioning. There were so many additional potential explanations for things that just...never got explored, or thought about or anything. It's all just ... neat. Easy. Kind of boring. Rather than holding all the evidence in her (metaphoric) hands to examine and parse through, Ellie just. Jumps to conclusions and doesn't allow for any other possible explanations until another character flat out tells her she's wrong.
Which is so annoying.
6. Man I can't wait for Felix to get dumped and/or arrested. But mostly dumped.
April 1, 2023
Playing It Safe, the third volume in Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell mystery series, offers a delightful read. The series is set in WWII Britain. Ellie (Electra) comes from a family of safe-crackers with connections to many petty criminals. In the first volume of the series, having been caught out for a crime, Ellie agrees to work for the British war effort in exchange for having charges dropped. This set-up takes place in the first volume in the series, A Peculiar Combination.
The books in this series can comfortably be read in any order. Relationships among characters, particularly between Ellie and her government handler, Major Ramsey, change over the course of the series, but volumes one and two aren't essential prequels to reading volume three—though I suspect that if you begin with #3, you'll soon find yourself looking for #1 and #2.
In this volume Ellie is sent—with little explanation—on an undercover assignment to Sunderland, an important port town during the war. She's told that arrangements have been made for her at a particular boarding house. Beyond that all she knows is that she should be "making friends with the locals." She does get to know people. First, on the train to Sunderland, an officer stationed at a military base. Next, very briefly, with a man who saves her life then dies on the street in front of the boarding house only a few hours later. And finally, with that victim's circle of friends.
When Major Ramsey appears, he continues to parcel out information a bit at a time, but Ellie quickly realizes that one of her new acquaintances may actually be working against the British. (A central character, also a suspect, in this volume is a wealthy bird watcher and collector. I assume he won't be showing up in future volumes, but his presence here adds to the enjoyment.)
Readers will not be surprised to learn that, yes, someone is working against the British. Lives, particularly Ellie's, are on the line. I found the final revelations in this case genuinely surprising, which was an additional bonus.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.
The books in this series can comfortably be read in any order. Relationships among characters, particularly between Ellie and her government handler, Major Ramsey, change over the course of the series, but volumes one and two aren't essential prequels to reading volume three—though I suspect that if you begin with #3, you'll soon find yourself looking for #1 and #2.
In this volume Ellie is sent—with little explanation—on an undercover assignment to Sunderland, an important port town during the war. She's told that arrangements have been made for her at a particular boarding house. Beyond that all she knows is that she should be "making friends with the locals." She does get to know people. First, on the train to Sunderland, an officer stationed at a military base. Next, very briefly, with a man who saves her life then dies on the street in front of the boarding house only a few hours later. And finally, with that victim's circle of friends.
When Major Ramsey appears, he continues to parcel out information a bit at a time, but Ellie quickly realizes that one of her new acquaintances may actually be working against the British. (A central character, also a suspect, in this volume is a wealthy bird watcher and collector. I assume he won't be showing up in future volumes, but his presence here adds to the enjoyment.)
Readers will not be surprised to learn that, yes, someone is working against the British. Lives, particularly Ellie's, are on the line. I found the final revelations in this case genuinely surprising, which was an additional bonus.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.
May 31, 2023
The third in the series and the mystery was good and a tad of the romance also moved along. I did find Electra's winging it at times and perhaps too much compartmentalizing of info by the Major a bit annoying. Other than that, it was a fun WWII mystery that I look forward to the next installment.
February 21, 2024
WTF was that ending! Ugh, another year of waiting.
Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC!
I really liked that we got away from London in this one. Electra and the Captain relatively alone (I like Felix, but he is not my love interest of choice. Is he anyone's?). There was far too many birds in this but we had an interesting gathering of suspects and, of course, German spies.
Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC!
I really liked that we got away from London in this one. Electra and the Captain relatively alone (I like Felix, but he is not my love interest of choice. Is he anyone's?). There was far too many birds in this but we had an interesting gathering of suspects and, of course, German spies.
May 21, 2023
This was PERFECTION. Honestly the perfect mix of romance, historical fiction, & mystery for me. The TENSION & witty banter between Electra & Major Ramsey had me internally screaming throughout the whole story, oh my. 🥵 I cannot wait for the next book!!
April 22, 2023
Spies and danger!
Whew! Well that ending has just opened the proverbial can of worms! 🪱🪱
But back to the main event! Electra McDonnell, our ex safe cracking thief, who’s had several missions now with British Intelligence, is contacted by Major Ramsey (be still mine and Ellie’s beating heart!) to go to the port of Sunderland, with a copy of Northern Birds of England under her arm, and await orders.
It’s 1940 and the game is afoot once more!
Ellies’s walking towards her accommodation when she’s jostled from behind into the path of a lorry.
Fortunately a man grabs her, just in time! Is this deliberate or accidental?
Ellie later sees that same man lying dead on the road near the rooming house she’s staying in. He’s collapsed, frozen in the moment, with a small amount of foam bubbling around his lips! A piece of paper is clasped in his fist. Ellie surreptitiously liberates it.
Now she’s in a strange town, a strange boarding house, a dead man, and with no idea about what’s going on.
Ellie’s new mission will be dangerous but that’s not going to stop her. A possible Nazi counterfeiting ring is operating. Ellie has a few surprises of her own, old contacts that will be revisited. New acquaintances made.
A deadly game of catchup and cat and mouse ensues that has Ellie and Major Ramsay on their toes.
Another electrifying Electra read from Weaver.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Whew! Well that ending has just opened the proverbial can of worms! 🪱🪱
But back to the main event! Electra McDonnell, our ex safe cracking thief, who’s had several missions now with British Intelligence, is contacted by Major Ramsey (be still mine and Ellie’s beating heart!) to go to the port of Sunderland, with a copy of Northern Birds of England under her arm, and await orders.
It’s 1940 and the game is afoot once more!
Ellies’s walking towards her accommodation when she’s jostled from behind into the path of a lorry.
Fortunately a man grabs her, just in time! Is this deliberate or accidental?
Ellie later sees that same man lying dead on the road near the rooming house she’s staying in. He’s collapsed, frozen in the moment, with a small amount of foam bubbling around his lips! A piece of paper is clasped in his fist. Ellie surreptitiously liberates it.
Now she’s in a strange town, a strange boarding house, a dead man, and with no idea about what’s going on.
Ellie’s new mission will be dangerous but that’s not going to stop her. A possible Nazi counterfeiting ring is operating. Ellie has a few surprises of her own, old contacts that will be revisited. New acquaintances made.
A deadly game of catchup and cat and mouse ensues that has Ellie and Major Ramsay on their toes.
Another electrifying Electra read from Weaver.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
November 11, 2023
Edit... I just listened to the story with my husband. And he is hooked. We are looking forward to the next installment
I love Electra McDonnell! I have had so much fun reading this series. This novel takes us to Sunderland, where Ellie brings her tools of the trade to help the Major with a new assignment. As always, the Major keeps the assignment a secret and doesn't tell her much about it. She witnesses a man dying in the street, and that starts all the mystery and mayhem. There are several key players in the book, and it makes figuring out who done it even more fun. The romantic triangle is still going on. I have to say I was team Major this book. But who knows what team I will be on in the next installment. If you enjoy WW2 stories, romance, and mystery, then this book is for you.
*I received this book from the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
I love Electra McDonnell! I have had so much fun reading this series. This novel takes us to Sunderland, where Ellie brings her tools of the trade to help the Major with a new assignment. As always, the Major keeps the assignment a secret and doesn't tell her much about it. She witnesses a man dying in the street, and that starts all the mystery and mayhem. There are several key players in the book, and it makes figuring out who done it even more fun. The romantic triangle is still going on. I have to say I was team Major this book. But who knows what team I will be on in the next installment. If you enjoy WW2 stories, romance, and mystery, then this book is for you.
*I received this book from the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
July 17, 2023
I have been enjoying the Electra McDonnell series, and this third book was another espionage, undercover, mystery for the British Government during WW2. Ellie is ready to take on a new assignment from British Intelligence officer Major Ramsey. She is to heart to the Sunderland, a port city and await further instructions. Once there and before she can meet up with Major Ramsey, she witnesses an unnatural death and finds something in his hands that makes her believe that his death has something to do with her assignment. They learn that someone is making counterfeit money to give German spies to use, and someone else, high up in their operation, is helping to smuggle those spies into the country. As they investigate, there is an assassin after Ellie. Will they unmask the traitor before tragedy befalls either Ellie or Major Ramsey?
I love Ellie's character. A former thief and safecracker, she is using her skills to help the war effort for Britain. She is smart, intuitive, independent and able to blend in when needed, although she is often held back by the male dominated field. Major Ramsey is a no nonsense soldier/spy but he is softening a bit as each story unfolds. Ashley Weaver has penned a fast paced, well plotted and realistic story. Although I was not alive at the time, it takes me to that period and allows me to see the people, the places and the experiences as they might have happened. The story is suspenseful and often had me on the edge of my seat. Another great addition to the series. Alison Larkin narrates this audiobook and does a wonderful job with the character's voices, the tone, expression and pacing. She gives the story just the right amount of tenseness to keep me listening intently. I recommend this book in either format.
I love Ellie's character. A former thief and safecracker, she is using her skills to help the war effort for Britain. She is smart, intuitive, independent and able to blend in when needed, although she is often held back by the male dominated field. Major Ramsey is a no nonsense soldier/spy but he is softening a bit as each story unfolds. Ashley Weaver has penned a fast paced, well plotted and realistic story. Although I was not alive at the time, it takes me to that period and allows me to see the people, the places and the experiences as they might have happened. The story is suspenseful and often had me on the edge of my seat. Another great addition to the series. Alison Larkin narrates this audiobook and does a wonderful job with the character's voices, the tone, expression and pacing. She gives the story just the right amount of tenseness to keep me listening intently. I recommend this book in either format.
May 17, 2023
This series just gets better with each book that comes out! WHEW what a ride this one was. Even in the moments where Ellie is just TSTL [Note, DO NOT GO TO SOMEONE'S HOUSE ALONE with only an hour and a half left in the book! LOL], this is a really great read and it is just such a smartly written book. I really love Ellie and her unique story and Major Ramsey is absolutely one of my new "book boyfriends". ;-)
Set away from London this time, I missed Ellie's family and the familiarity of London, but the story and the whole mystery were just so darn good that you soon stop wondering when so-and-so is going to drop in and just focus on the story in front of you.
I am absolutely NOT going to say anymore because these are so best going in with cold - trust me, you will enjoy it so much more knowing nothing [I knew nothing about the book, just requested it and then read it. It was so glorious that way], and I think if you are bogged down in your reading, this series will perk you right up!! SO WELL DONE!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Weaver, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Book for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set away from London this time, I missed Ellie's family and the familiarity of London, but the story and the whole mystery were just so darn good that you soon stop wondering when so-and-so is going to drop in and just focus on the story in front of you.
I am absolutely NOT going to say anymore because these are so best going in with cold - trust me, you will enjoy it so much more knowing nothing [I knew nothing about the book, just requested it and then read it. It was so glorious that way], and I think if you are bogged down in your reading, this series will perk you right up!! SO WELL DONE!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Weaver, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Book for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2024
Finally!!! Finally the moment I have been waiting for since the beginning of the series. A crack in Ramsey’s armor. A glorious crack it is. Albeit short and sweet, but oh so wonderful.
May 27, 2023
So I made the mistake of not writing down my thoughts immediately after I read this and now the specifics of what I wanted to say are somewhat lost several weeks later. However, this book was the romantic movement I have been hoping for from this series and I was a big fan. Definitely will be rereading this one over the summer as I suspect this could end up on my Yuletide list for the year.
May 26, 2023
I love this series! There is so much action that you don’t want to put it down. I love that Ellie is a smart, savvy, and sassy main character who is actively participating in the war effort in a very different way. The writing flows so well and keeps you captivated the whole way through. The love triangle (I hate love triangles) is tolerable and I can’t decide which one I like more. Highly recommended for those who love historical fiction and fascinating characters.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
May 14, 2023
Playing It Safe was EVERYTHING I was hoping for, and then some!!
I cannot wait for the next book, and I would pay Ashley Weaver so much money to get a Ramsey POV one day!
I cannot wait for the next book, and I would pay Ashley Weaver so much money to get a Ramsey POV one day!
May 20, 2024
5⭐️ I enjoyed this book in the series as much as the first book. So much so that I ordered myself the whole series so I can reread this series again later (I had previously checked them out from the library). It really is a great series and has been the perfect start to my summer reading.
The mystery/adventure in this book was as good as the first book with higher stakes. I loved seeing Electra away from the safety net of her family and friends at the seaside port town carrying out a mission with the major. Fun twists and turns and romance heated up a bit this book. The mystery of who really killed her father (mystery in the mystery) is also heating up. I am DYING to know what happens next and would appreciate an estimated release date for the next book in this series because I’m totally hooked and NEED to know what happens next without giving away too many spoilers. Any book 4 release date information? 🙏
The mystery/adventure in this book was as good as the first book with higher stakes. I loved seeing Electra away from the safety net of her family and friends at the seaside port town carrying out a mission with the major. Fun twists and turns and romance heated up a bit this book. The mystery of who really killed her father (mystery in the mystery) is also heating up. I am DYING to know what happens next and would appreciate an estimated release date for the next book in this series because I’m totally hooked and NEED to know what happens next without giving away too many spoilers. Any book 4 release date information? 🙏
January 28, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
5 stars! Even though the love triangle is still triangling… but it might be starting to die.
This is probably my favourite instalment in the Electra McDonnell series, so far. The action takes us away from London for the first time and the story focuses more on Ellie and less on her family, compared to the previous books.
I had an amazing time with this. The possible relationship development made me squee! Plus, we got introduced to a new character, who is on the side of our spy team and I would very much like to see more of them in future books!
If you enjoyed the other books in the series, I can’t think of a reason why this one wouldn’t also be a hit for you!
It does end on the meanest cliffhanger of them all, though. And I’m quite grumpy about the fact that I have to wait for the next book.
5 stars! Even though the love triangle is still triangling… but it might be starting to die.
This is probably my favourite instalment in the Electra McDonnell series, so far. The action takes us away from London for the first time and the story focuses more on Ellie and less on her family, compared to the previous books.
I had an amazing time with this. The possible relationship development made me squee! Plus, we got introduced to a new character, who is on the side of our spy team and I would very much like to see more of them in future books!
If you enjoyed the other books in the series, I can’t think of a reason why this one wouldn’t also be a hit for you!
It does end on the meanest cliffhanger of them all, though. And I’m quite grumpy about the fact that I have to wait for the next book.
May 14, 2024
Reread 5.13.24. Done with my reread, I'm so ready for the new one out tomorrow! I plan to wait for the weekend to give it the attention it's due.
Read 5.14.24. An excellent mystery (heist?) novel. The pacing, the plot, the love triangle (!!!), the voice. I think this book has maybe elevated this series to being the very best ongoing historical mystery series. Ashley Weaver doesn't waste a word.
Also, Alison Larkin's audio narration is perfect. She makes the heroine, Ellie, sound somehow youthful and worldly, not to mention just plain delightful.
Read 5.14.24. An excellent mystery (heist?) novel. The pacing, the plot, the love triangle (!!!), the voice. I think this book has maybe elevated this series to being the very best ongoing historical mystery series. Ashley Weaver doesn't waste a word.
Also, Alison Larkin's audio narration is perfect. She makes the heroine, Ellie, sound somehow youthful and worldly, not to mention just plain delightful.
May 2, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Electra McDonnell #3
Publication Date: 5/9/23
Period: WWII – Sunderland, England
Number of Pages: 288
Danger, stress, fear, and panic have taken hold in London with the nightly aerial bombings that have been going on for a month. Electra – Ellie to her friends and family – feels all of those things for her family and friends as well as those family members who are serving. She’s serving too – just in a different way. She serves by working at the behest of Major Gabriel Ramsey who heads up a secret division of the government. Ellie’s unique skills as a safecracker have already helped to uncover German spies. Now, she’s tasked with another mission – a vague one at best. She’s to travel to Sunderland under an assumed name and . . . Do what? Well, she doesn’t know yet.
In typical Ellie fashion, she makes her own mission until she learns more about her real one. Until Major Ramsey deigns to make an appearance and divulge her mission, she’ll just get to know the people around the lodging house to which she has been sent. She quickly befriends a group and begins to ask subtle (or maybe not so subtle) questions about anything and everything. But . . . those friends begin to die. Why? Ellie knows they are hiding something, but what? Is it pertinent to the deaths or to her mission? What does an ornithology book have to do with anything? Who is the charming Rafe Beaumont and why does she instinctually distrust him?
This was an exciting, suspenseful, excellently plotted and delivered story and I devoured it in one sitting. Ellie is such a fun character and I’ve loved watching her character grow and develop through the books. Major Ramsey has also been fun because he is such an uptight, proper, emotionless man – he has to be in his line of work – but it is going to be fun when the dam finally breaks and all of those walls come down. We almost saw it in this book, but some very serious stuff happened that precluded it. Maybe it will happen in the next one. 😊
Ellie and the Major won’t escape unscathed this time and the ending will leave you in a bit of shock – and dismay – and wondering what happened to those German spies. Never fear, I’m sure they’ll turn up in a future book. Great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Electra McDonnell #3
Publication Date: 5/9/23
Period: WWII – Sunderland, England
Number of Pages: 288
Danger, stress, fear, and panic have taken hold in London with the nightly aerial bombings that have been going on for a month. Electra – Ellie to her friends and family – feels all of those things for her family and friends as well as those family members who are serving. She’s serving too – just in a different way. She serves by working at the behest of Major Gabriel Ramsey who heads up a secret division of the government. Ellie’s unique skills as a safecracker have already helped to uncover German spies. Now, she’s tasked with another mission – a vague one at best. She’s to travel to Sunderland under an assumed name and . . . Do what? Well, she doesn’t know yet.
In typical Ellie fashion, she makes her own mission until she learns more about her real one. Until Major Ramsey deigns to make an appearance and divulge her mission, she’ll just get to know the people around the lodging house to which she has been sent. She quickly befriends a group and begins to ask subtle (or maybe not so subtle) questions about anything and everything. But . . . those friends begin to die. Why? Ellie knows they are hiding something, but what? Is it pertinent to the deaths or to her mission? What does an ornithology book have to do with anything? Who is the charming Rafe Beaumont and why does she instinctually distrust him?
This was an exciting, suspenseful, excellently plotted and delivered story and I devoured it in one sitting. Ellie is such a fun character and I’ve loved watching her character grow and develop through the books. Major Ramsey has also been fun because he is such an uptight, proper, emotionless man – he has to be in his line of work – but it is going to be fun when the dam finally breaks and all of those walls come down. We almost saw it in this book, but some very serious stuff happened that precluded it. Maybe it will happen in the next one. 😊
Ellie and the Major won’t escape unscathed this time and the ending will leave you in a bit of shock – and dismay – and wondering what happened to those German spies. Never fear, I’m sure they’ll turn up in a future book. Great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 26, 2024
4.25 Stars
This might be my favorite so far. I find it better than book two, yet I've enjoyed the series and look forward to its continuation. Since the first book, I've liked the premise behind Ellie's involvement in working with Major Ramsey to sabotage the efforts of enemy espionage. Still, I did find myself getting exasperated when she'd ignore the Major's direction or cautions. From experience, this is a common trait of the pseudo-detective heroines in cozy mysteries, but it still chafes. I've read worse, though.
This series has a familiar, yet subtle love triangle even if we already know who's the inevitable hero to Ellie's heroine. There's some progress on that front with Ellie recognizing her dynamics with both men. A fun and dubious new character, Rafe Beaumont, is introduced in this story, and as written, it seems he may reprise his role in future books. We can only hope. The book ended with life-threatening excitement and more surprises in Ellie's search for information about her mother.
June 6, 2023
Electra "Ellie" McDonnell is approached by Major Ramsey to take on another assignment undercover. The Germans are heavily bombing London, so though she's worried about leaving her family in London, Ellie travels north to Sunderland to investigate possible Nazi infiltration there.
Ellie takes a room in a rooming house and gets to know a few of the local women, and quickly finds out that she needs to uncover a possible Nazi counterfeiting operation. Major Ramsey is there, posing as her boyfriend or husband, depending on who she speaks to. Their relationship progresses, leaving her wondering about her feelings for Felix, her childhood friend.
Ellie is dismayed to find some of the people she's socializing with, while undercover, seem to be involved with the counterfeiting, and there also is a murderer amongst these people.
Ellie continues to captivate; she's quick on her feet, analytical, good at ingratiating herself with strangers and improvising. The males around her continue to look down on her, however, requiring Ellie to find ways to work around them and constantly prove she's a good investigator. Her instincts are good and she's often much better at solving the problems she's presented with while on assignment than they are.
Ashley Weaver also progresses the other storyline about the secrecy surrounding Ellie's deceased mother. And that little bomb that Weaver drops right at the end of this book means that I want to read the next book now!
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Ellie takes a room in a rooming house and gets to know a few of the local women, and quickly finds out that she needs to uncover a possible Nazi counterfeiting operation. Major Ramsey is there, posing as her boyfriend or husband, depending on who she speaks to. Their relationship progresses, leaving her wondering about her feelings for Felix, her childhood friend.
Ellie is dismayed to find some of the people she's socializing with, while undercover, seem to be involved with the counterfeiting, and there also is a murderer amongst these people.
Ellie continues to captivate; she's quick on her feet, analytical, good at ingratiating herself with strangers and improvising. The males around her continue to look down on her, however, requiring Ellie to find ways to work around them and constantly prove she's a good investigator. Her instincts are good and she's often much better at solving the problems she's presented with while on assignment than they are.
Ashley Weaver also progresses the other storyline about the secrecy surrounding Ellie's deceased mother. And that little bomb that Weaver drops right at the end of this book means that I want to read the next book now!
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
June 5, 2023
Let me begin with the best news of all: Ashley Weaver’s series featuring safecracker-turned-spy Electra “Ellie” McDonnell is
not
a trilogy, as I had feared! Playing It Safe, the third novel in the series set in England during World War II, ends on the most amazing cliffhanger that there’s no doubt that there will be at least one more sequel.
Major Gabriel Ramsey dispatches Ellie to the English seaside, as usual with very little information. No sooner had she arrived, than someone makes an attempt on her life. The man that rescued her is dead a few hours later. Coincidence? Not likely!
There’s so much I wish I could say, but nearly all of it would spoil this suspenseful read. I can say that Ellie learns more about her mother (who died when she was a baby) and Ramsey. An absolutely wonderful read.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Press in exchange for an honest review.
Major Gabriel Ramsey dispatches Ellie to the English seaside, as usual with very little information. No sooner had she arrived, than someone makes an attempt on her life. The man that rescued her is dead a few hours later. Coincidence? Not likely!
There’s so much I wish I could say, but nearly all of it would spoil this suspenseful read. I can say that Ellie learns more about her mother (who died when she was a baby) and Ramsey. An absolutely wonderful read.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Press in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2023
Another exciting outing for former safe-cracker Ellie McDonnell and her 'boss' Major Ramsey. It is Oct 1940 and the Blitz is now an everyday fact of life in London.
This time the action takes place away from London. Ellie is sent undercover to the northeastern city of Sunderland, with little idea of her exact mission--details to be provided as needed. Which leaves Ellie free to investigate the mysterious death of the man who collapsed in the street, right in front of her. Instead of demurely settling into her lodgings and waiting patiently, of course.
That decision leads to one of the many entertaining clashes between Ellie and Major Ramsey as they investigate the possibility that a nearby unused printing plant is actually being used in a counterfeiting operation. How does the avid bird-watching reclusive owner of the plant fit into this set-up?
Ellie also becomes friendly with several young women who work at the local chemist's shop. They are obviously up to something shady, but what? and does it tie into the counterfeiting? Is there actually a Nazi spy in their midst?
So many questions! Of course, all is revealed, but not before Ellie and the major find themselves in dire straits.
I enjoyed being out of London, though I missed Ellie's family. Felix does flit in and out of the story. We still have Ellie pondering the love triangle she's found herself in. (I'm Team Ramsey). Finally, Ellie is making progress in finding out what really happened with her mother.
I hope the author is busily working on the next book because I am eager to find out what happens next.
This time the action takes place away from London. Ellie is sent undercover to the northeastern city of Sunderland, with little idea of her exact mission--details to be provided as needed. Which leaves Ellie free to investigate the mysterious death of the man who collapsed in the street, right in front of her. Instead of demurely settling into her lodgings and waiting patiently, of course.
That decision leads to one of the many entertaining clashes between Ellie and Major Ramsey as they investigate the possibility that a nearby unused printing plant is actually being used in a counterfeiting operation. How does the avid bird-watching reclusive owner of the plant fit into this set-up?
Ellie also becomes friendly with several young women who work at the local chemist's shop. They are obviously up to something shady, but what? and does it tie into the counterfeiting? Is there actually a Nazi spy in their midst?
So many questions! Of course, all is revealed, but not before Ellie and the major find themselves in dire straits.
I enjoyed being out of London, though I missed Ellie's family. Felix does flit in and out of the story. We still have Ellie pondering the love triangle she's found herself in. (I'm Team Ramsey). Finally, Ellie is making progress in finding out what really happened with her mother.
I hope the author is busily working on the next book because I am eager to find out what happens next.
June 14, 2023
Always a good read from this series and this book has a twist on the very last page!
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